Author Archives: lanajhawkins

DIY Projects To Make Your Living Room More Inviting

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To make everyone’s stay in your home comfortable, you need to make sure your living room is cozy and interesting, so the atmosphere would always be pleasant. The best possible way to make this room more inviting is to engage in small DIY projects that will light up the mood immediately.

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Play with Silhouettes

Silhouettes are always a fun way to decorate your home and make it more enigmatic. For example, if you think that your TV is alone and that the background is dull and boring, it is time to play with some crafts. Choose drawings, images, photos and some inspirational word art or messages for wall decoration. You can even create art in your favourite shapes made out of wire. Find the inspiration on websites of the companies that sell homeware and art for home, such as Tysiza. In order to add silhouettes to these and blend them in, you will need some black art paper that will be glued to the back of the picture. Use some spray adhesive to make the silhouette and enhance to borders of the images. By giving each image different borders you are making your living room more entertaining and mysterious on the first glance.

Art Piece Jewelry Box

If you have a lot of accessories, no storage for them and an empty wall in your living room, there is a simple solution for all three of these problems. Make an art piece jewelry box that will be a great addition to the room, bringing the artistic mood, and a safe and unique place for hiding your jewelry. For this little project you can either buy an art piece or paint one yourself. To make the box, you will need a few wooden boards, screws, hooks and magnets, and of course all of your jewelry. Get some help from your family, and together make this magnificent jewelry box, save up some space and have a refreshing painting in your living room.

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Repurpose Pallets

Recycling and repurposing wooden materials is always a favor to the environment and you can get nice new pieces in your home. For example, if you have lots of wooden pallets just lying around your garage, or you simply want a unique piece of furniture, you should consider some of the numerous ways of repurposing pallets. For example, you can turn these into fun wall fixtures for storing books and photos; you can build a small coffee table by layering the pallets together; making simple furniture is also an option: layer pallets into different levels, cover them with cushions and you will have a comfy spacious couch for a movie night. Another great idea is combining pallets with some metal and making pallet racks for placing your TV, along with other devices around it and some plants and photos for your living room.

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Storage Ottoman

Cute small ottomans are always welcome in your living room because they can have many purposes. Firstly, they are a great decorative piece that can easily introduce color and life into the room without being too flashy. Secondly, these are always useful when it comes to additional seating arraignments, especially if there are a lot of people and you want to avoid sitting on the floor. And lastly, they can be unique storage unit that no one will notice. Additionally, these are incredibly easy to make; all you need is a foldable storage ottoman, fabrics of your choice and some cute buttons and glue. After this short project is done, your living room will instantly become more comfortable with a touch of elegance.

Plate Art

For this simple project all you need are some old artistic plates that your grandmother left you. Choose different sizes of plates in contrasting colors and simply glue them together. After they have dried you can either hang them on the wall or display them on the shelves and completely change the dynamic of the living room.

Decorating a house has never been an easy job. But when you all participate and make something on your own, it is well worth it. Engage in some of these projects and make your living so inviting that you will never want to leave it.

8 Cost-Efficient Ways To Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly In 2017

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The 21st century started years ago and one of the most important things it brought with it is ecological awareness. Today, houses are built to be eco-friendly and energy-efficient which is definitely a great thing. However, that doesn’t mean that we should bring down historic houses built with no intention of saving energy or any of the Earth’s resources. That means that we should use all of our knowledge about energy and water preservation and to apply it in greening up old houses without affecting their unique aesthetic. Here are some ways to do that.

Insulate

Houses built before the 1940s were rarely insulated. If they were, the materials originally used may have deteriorated over time, allowing the cold air to creep in. Fortunately, today there are plenty of eco-friendly and efficient insulating materials that can significantly reduce your utility bills. Before you even begin insulating them, you should seal the air gaps around the doors and windows. Also, don’t forget to insulate the attic and ducts.

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Replace or Upgrade the Windows

There’s no point in preventing heat or the cool air from leaving the house by insulating the walls if it will eventually go out through the windows. When installing new windows you should check their energy ratings. Triple glazed windows are the best option, but double glazed ones are much more cost-efficient. If new windows would disturb the aesthetics of your old home, the combination of storm windows and good window treatments should do the trick.

Be Smart with the Lights

If your house still uses old incandescent light bulbs, consider replacing them, since they’re spending a huge amount of energy. Compact fluorescent light bulbs can save a lot of energy, but if you’re in it for the long haul, you should install LED lights throughout the house.

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Introduce Rugs

Have you ever stepped foot on the cold hardwood floor? It may look nice, but it feels freezing. Area rugs are a rather cheap way to prevent that awful feel, but also to save a couple of dollars when the energy bill comes. Besides, you’ll get an instant stylish punch.

Save Water

The way most people uses their bathrooms today speaks a lot about our disregard for Earth’s most precious resource – water. Almost 30 percent of the total water use in a household is flushed down the toilet and 10 percent is leaking from the pipes and faucets.

There are ways to decrease that consumption. The first step would be addressing the biggest problem – toilet. By installing a low-flow toilet you will cut down your water expenses, and the costs of buying a new toilet and hiring professional plumbers to install it will pay off in a couple of years. Unlike the toilet, installing a low-flow showerhead is in the DIY domain.

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Get Energy-Efficient Appliances

You may think you’re saving money by keeping your old refrigerator and indefinitely delaying the purchase of a new one, but you’re not. Old appliances are not only using more electricity, they also require frequent fixes and replacing of some parts. Switching all the old devices for their new Energy Star rated counterparts is, eventually, much cheaper.

Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great investment since they’re reasonably priced and they can, in the long run, save a lot of money. If you think that ceiling fans are useful only in winter, you’re wrong. They can be very beneficial during the heating season when they spread the heat throughout the air and make your heating system more efficient.

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Make Your Home Non-toxic

Toxic chemicals your house is filled with may not have a damaging effect on your wallet, but they are certainly harmful to your health. Paint colors that don’t contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) will prevent toxins from entering your body while using homemade cleaning products (e.g. any kind of DIY product with apple cider vinegar or baking soda) will minimize the number of chemicals you are inhaling and save you money at the same time.

“Greening up” is much more than just a buzzword. It is a practice that will not only minimize your negative impact on the planet but also benefit your health and budget.

How to Give Your Home Natural-Born Style? 

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Bringing the nature indoors has been a centuries’ long desire for so many people. They strived to inject calmness and serenity into their living spaces, and achieve that homey, welcoming feel. Moreover, the growing environmental awareness and dire environmental problems have nurtured a fertile ground for a natural approach to take hold. A modern natural-born style summons sheer beauty, it echoes the comforting vibe of the natural world, but also adapts to fit the interior landscape.

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The real deal

Mother Nature is not easy to emulate and duplicate. It is best to not even try; and embrace natural materials that are the bedrock of an organic style. Wood, stone, and metal infuse the living environment with texture and more depth, which is to say that one has to let them take central stage. This is a distinctive type of glamour, which is bling- and glitter-intolerant. It encourages you to expose rather than conceal the flawed, pristine beauty of materials like wood.

While digital information flies across great distances, interiors are undergoing a Stone Age revolution. Namely, materials like marble are gaining traction as they bring texture, tone, and subtle patterns. Some homeowners have rugged, natural rock walls, but even if you are devoid of such resource, you can make the magic happen. After all, granite can be utilized for countertops and backsplashes in the kitchen.

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Plant the organic seeds

I have also seen extraordinary examples of roof beams and railroad ties being used in décor. A reclaimed pair of oak beams can provide material for shelving, while dark mahogany brings a unique flavor to the living room. Those who possess a burning stove or open fire are blessed with a fiery focal point, and a good excuse to store firewood in a decorative fashion.

Wood has a place all around us, but nowhere is it so obvious than in a farmhouse kitchen style, which is deeply rooted in organic charm. The traditional farm life is brimming with modesty, but it also features amazing solutions like rustic wood floors. In any event, choose materials and solutions that resonate with your sense of style and allow you to personalize the space.

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Driftwood, for example, can be dried out and whitewashed in order to create unusual centerpieces. Likewise, one may employ window coverings like plantation shutters that act not only as light controllers, but also sound buffers and privacy wardens.Get into the art of recycling and upcycling, which suits the organic theme perfectly: Countertops can be made from scaffolding planks and wine crates used to assemble DIY wall storage.

Furthermore, do not neglect flowers and plants: They are an inexpensive and stylish way to refresh your interior design and enjoy the bits of rejuvenating nature inside. Note that you can amplify the effect by matching the color of the blooms with décor and design elements. And if you do not want to put your green fingers to use, opt for botanical-print fabrics and wallpapers.

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Visual symphony

Always be inventive and think outside the box. A wooden backdrop is just what you need, but once you have set the stage, it is time to introduce some contrast. Sleek, metallic items are a safe bet, as they compliment the soothing natural savor. Bear that in mind when picking furniture, fittings, and décor items, and think in terms of copper, natural brass, and gold finishes. Pull together a shimmering spectacle with plenty of natural light and reflective surfaces.

Finally, take advantage of artisanal textiles and form a symphony of colors and patterns. Handcrafted fabrics spark visual interest, and throws, pillows, and rugs emanate a natural feel and soften the space. That way, you do not have to worry about materials like steel disrupting the natural sensation. Even an exposed brick wall loses some of its edginess in the presence of a soft sheep wool throw placed over an antique armchair.

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Born to be wild

Done right, a natural look can be sophisticated and enthralling. It makes you feel at peace and content in your living environment. Wood is still the king of the natural realm, but it needs loyal minions in the form of fabrics, metals, stone, and plant life. So, reveal craftsmanship and natural charm at their finest. Enjoy the natural embrace of your environment and immerse in the allure of organic solutions. Invite the nature into every room of your home and do not miss a chance to take the warmth and coziness to the next level.

7 Budget-Friendly Curb Appeal Makeovers

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Our parents always told us that beauty comes from the inside, but when we talk about houses, it’s what’s on the outside that counts, too. No matter how cozy and stylish your interior design is, you need to invest a bit into the exterior as well. Such investment will pay off since it can bring many benefits for you and your house, while its curb appeal can add to its value. However, you must know which projects will pay off.

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Landscaping

A lush and green front yard will completely change the atmosphere of the whole house. While dry and neglected yards exude emptiness and a bit eerie atmosphere, great landscaping can give a fresh look and healthy feel to the entire property. You can plant a lot of plants and perennials that will provide color and depth to the whole yard. Also, you can decorate the yard more with a few stone paths and even a smaller fountain.

Windows

If your windows are quite old, chances are that they waste energy and heat. Plus, they probably don’t look very nice from the outside, either. That is why you should consider replacing the old ones with new, energy-efficient windows, which will save you plenty of energy and money. Additionally, you can always repaint the new front windows to match the exterior design and keep the atmosphere of the whole façade.

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Façade

The façade is the face of your home and it should shine. For a start, you will need better insulation in order to preserve energy in your home. This can easily be done by updating or replacing your cladding systems and resolving all the insulation problems. Additionally, you can improve the curb appeal by repainting the façade. If the paint has started peeling off, or you just simply don’t like it anymore you should find a new, neutral color that will save the day. It’s best to stick to such neutral colors, because you can later add contrast with details and still keep everything classy.

Entry Doors

Entry door replacement will certainly pay off in the long run. It is a chance for you to provide more security for your home, while at the same time you are working on the curb appeal. If you like wood, custom made doors are vastly available, but if you want more security, you can always opt for a steel front door. Moreover, if you choose an unusual color, or simply repaint the existing doors into a bolder shade, you will provide contrast and an amazing wow factor for your exterior design.

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Garage Doors

Replace the garage doors to match your home’s age, style and enhanced look. New, shiny and functional garage doors will provide the needed security and they will contribute to the curb appeal. While you are at it, you can upgrade the material of the doors and opt for wood, steel, aluminum or fiberglass, depending on your set budget and style of the entire design. Also, make sure you opt for the sturdiest material that will protect your car and other belongings, while it should be easy to maintain as well.

Deck Addition

Decks are always popular addition to a home and they can bring plenty of benefits. They expand the existing living space because they can serve as an entertainment, dine or relaxation area. Also, they are always appealing to potential buyers and can greatly increase the value of your property. Additionally, if you choose to add a wooden deck, it will perfectly blend into any design and it will contribute to the overall curb appeal and your neighbors will envy you.

Owning a home is a lifetime commitment and there is always something to improve. However, you shouldn’t despair over it. Rather choose projects that will pay off in the future and that can add value and curb appeal to the house.

Buy Or Build A Home? Making Room For A Growing Family

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A growing family is a family that everyone wants. Your spouse and you may have enough space in your studio apartment or a small house, but with the baby on the way, everything changes. Your family will become bigger and you will need significantly more space for your family and all of your things. That is why you should consider moving into a new house. However, there is always a question of whether you should buy it, build it or adjust your existing one.

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Building a Home

Building a new bigger home from scratch seems like a good idea. You can make your own plan and organization of rooms, their number and size, and everything will be as you please. More importantly, it will correspond to the needs of your family. However, this can be a stressful process, since it involves plenty of time and money, and if you are pregnant this will put too much stress on you. Luckily, babies don’t need as much space at the beginning. For a first few months, you can place the crib in your master bedroom, which gives you more time to build your bigger home. Also, if you plan to build your own home and fulfill all the needs of your growing family, it is best to start planning and building much before your family starts growing.

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Buying It

Since building a new home for the big family takes time and is somewhat stressful, sometimes it is better to buy a house. It is faster than building and you can easily make some changes if needed. However, even though this option is faster, it is not as easy as it looks. When searching for a new home to purchase, you should make sure it is close to parks, good schools, family entertainment and, if possible, your relatives. Commuting too far is time and money consuming and it takes away the free time you can spend with your family. Do your research, talk to real estate agents, search websites such as Lifull for your area and find a home that meets your needs. If you can find a house that can satisfy all these requirements and some other that you need, buy it. If not, you can always start planning building a new home, and in the meantime you can rent a house that meets the requirements.

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Making a Few Adjustments

The home you already have may just be enough for a bigger family; it may only need a few adjustments. If there is a baby on the way, you can always consider adding a nursery to your home. However, home additions are not as easy to build. There are plenty of laws to follow, you have to check if your city allows such additions, you should consider your budget as well and it will require hiring a professional. All that can be costly and it will stress you out; and that is not that good for the baby. There is also an option of upgrading your home a bit so it would be safe for the baby. However, all that remodelling will be messy and the comfort of your home will be disturbed for a little while. On the bright side, you don’t have to undergo the troubles of moving to another place.

The decision is entirely up to you. Before making any major decisions about the new home, make sure to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of all the options. Is your budget big enough, do you have time to build a new house, is the new neighborhood friendly and how far is it from your work and school? Having all that in mind, it will be much easier to make a decision; and whatever you do, you do it for the family, so be thorough.